Trump Cancels Live-Stream of Hasan Execution
President Trump announces decision to not live-stream execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan.
2 min read
President Donald Trump announced Thursday that the United States will not live-stream the execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan. The decision came after days of speculation about whether the administration would follow through on Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s plan to broadcast the execution.
Trump’s Reasoning and Deterrence Concerns
Trump stated that while he believed a live-streamed execution could serve as a strong deterrent, he ultimately decided against it. In a post on Truth Social, he explained that many people would rather not watch the event, whether through a live stream or any other visual medium. He emphasized that Hasan will still die by firing squad, as scheduled, but the execution will not be streamed.
Victim Families and Justice
Trump noted that the execution may be viewed in person by the immediate families of the victims, if they choose. He asserted that they deserve to witness justice unfold.
Criticisms of Obama’s Intelligence Failures
Trump also criticized former President Barack Obama, who was in office when Hasan opened fire and killed 13 people in 2009. He highlighted that the FBI intercepted Hasan’s communications with radical cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, but the Obama administration downplayed the threat, leading to a key intelligence failure.
Religious and Ethical Concerns
Catholic leaders have expressed concerns about the planned execution and live-stream. Archbishop Timothy Broglio called for Catholics assigned to the firing squad to request exemption, citing the barbaric nature of the practice. Bishop Joseph Coffey echoed these sentiments, noting the U.S. military has not executed a prisoner since 1961.
Vice President Vance’s Stance
Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic, questioned whether the live-stream would actually happen and emphasized the severity of Hasan’s actions. He described Hasan’s attack as the worst terrorist act on American soil outside of 9/11, highlighting the vulnerability of the soldiers he targeted.
Source: Daily Wire
